Quality Engineering Manager

South Bend-Mishawaka

**Quality Manager -- Automotive / Defense Manufacturing** Our client, a leading automotive manufacturer in the defense sector, is seeking an experienced **Quality Manager** to lead quality systems and ensure compliance across mission-critical programs. This role offers the opportunity to work in a highly regulated environment where product integrity, continuous improvement, and cross-functional leadership are essential to success. Key Responsibilities * Establish and maintain Product Quality Standards in alignment with customer, contractual, regulatory, and government requirements. * Lead APQP planning, validation, and execution for new programs and engineering changes, including PFMEAs, Special Characteristics, Control Plans, and internal 8D corrective actions. * Develop and implement Quality Plans while ensuring effective production Quality Control Loops (build, confirm, and audit) to support product integrity. * Drive cross-functional problem-solving and continuous improvement initiatives utilizing 8D and Lean Six Sigma methodologies to enhance build quality and process robustness. * Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Quality procedures, processes, and acceptance criteria in accordance with IATF 16949 and ISO standards. * Act as the primary Quality liaison with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Government Quality/Engineering representatives. * Lead and support Quality operations, including dimensional layout, corrosion testing, gage calibration, electrical testing, and Dynamic Vehicle Testing, as needed. * Manage Quality System updates related to new model launches, engineering changes, and production transitions. * Coach, mentor, and lead Quality Engineers to ensure technical competency, compliance, and accountability. * Provide Quality leadership across Integrated Product Teams (IPT), Product Development Teams (PDT), Engineering Change Notices (ECN), Engineering Try-Outs, Production Trial Runs, and Quality Steering Committee (QSC) reviews and approvals. Qualifications * Minimum of 5+ years of engineering experience within the automotive industry preferred. * Proven experience leading and developing Quality Engineering teams preferred. * Hands-on experience in an automotive assembly or manufacturing plant environment preferred. * Strong knowledge of AIAG Core Tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA). * Experience with ISO standards and IATF 16949 certification and compliance preferred. * Demonstrated ability to collaborate cross-functionally to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence. * Experience working with the U.S. Government's Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), or within an OEM/Tier 1 automotive or truck quality organization preferred. * Working knowledge of automotive diagnostic troubleshooting. * Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills, with clear and effective communication abilities. * Bachelor's degree in a technical or business-related field preferred. Base compensation is $100k-$130k DOE